COVID-19: SMS / Text message SCAMS

TOP 4 SMS SCAMS

- Fake URL links claiming to link to GOV.UK website to claim supposed COVID-19 related payment
- Lockdown fines suggesting you have breached lockdown
- Offers of health supplements that will prevent you becoming infected
- Financial support offers that appear to be from your bank

HOW DO SMS SCAMS WORK

Cyber criminals are preying on fears of the coronavirus and sending ‘phishing’ text messages that try and trick users into clicking on a bad link. Messages are short and simple and often claim to be from a known entity. Web links are harder to spot on a SMS as they are shortened so apply caution clicking on links!

Sender of UK Government SMS: Genuine text messages from the UK Government will only come from UK_Gov You will only ever be directed to GOV.UK/coronavirus.

HOW TO VERIFY THE MESSAGE?

1. Challenge - Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests that don’t feel right. Check GOV.UK to ensure it’s genuine.
2. Be wary of text messages that try to get you to send money, or important personal information such as bank details or passwords.
3. Take a moment to stop and think before parting with information to keep you safe or your money.
4. Use official government websites and refer to ‘Contact Us’ sections of websites to access information and services. GENUINE UK GOVERNMENT SMS

Tuesday, 24 Mar • 11:11

GOV.UK ALERT CORONAVIRUS New rules in force now; you must stay at home. More info and exemptions at gov.uk/coronavirus Stay at home. Protect the NHS. Save lives

Sender doesn’t support replies

EXAMPLES OF SCAMS

RECOMMENDED STEP-BY-STEP ACTIONS TO TAKE

☑️ Don’t Respond ☑️ Report the SMS Scam to Action Fraud ☑️ Forward the message to 7726 (‘SPAM’ on a keypad)

FURTHER GUIDANCE AND SUPPORT

Public Sector Organisations: The Cabinet Office has formed a COVID-19 Fraud Response Team to assist the government with its counter fraud response. Requests for assistance should be emailed to: covid19-counter-fraud@cabinetoffice.gov.uk

Public: Please report to Action Fraud